At least 15 people have lost their lives, and three others are missing in the Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after a group of villagers attempted to flee their communities amid a bandit attack on Friday, August 29, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred as residents from Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi, and other villages in Birnin Tudu Ward tried to cross a river using a single canoe in a desperate bid to escape advancing gunmen.
The canoe, designed to carry only 16 passengers, became overcrowded during multiple trips.
The Zamfara State Government confirmed the tragedy in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon Mahmud Dantawasa, mourned the victims and outlined immediate steps being taken.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, described the incident as a “double tragedy.”
An eyewitness, Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi, told Daily Trust that the chaos erupted when news of the approaching bandits spread quickly.
“Only one canoe serves the entire area, and it was already filled. But two more women, fearing they would be left behind, jumped on board. The boat overturned, and many drowned,” he said.
Search and rescue efforts led by local volunteers recovered 12 bodies on the day of the incident and three were found the following day, while search for the remaining three missing people continues.
The deceased, eight women, three infants, and four youths, were buried in a mass grave after a funeral prayer led by Liman Yahaya.
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